New here? This is lesson 103 of a free 240-lesson English course.
Hotel problems in English
Ana stays overnight in a hotel so Tasha is not alone. Their room faces the L, and the trains keep them awake.
In the morning Ana goes to the desk. She needs to report a problem and ask for a different room.
By the end, you'll say the room is too noisy, the air conditioning isn't working, and the key doesn't work.
You'll also ask to change rooms, and you'll say you locked yourself out.
By the end of this lesson
Report a problem with a hotel room and ask to change rooms.
- Could I change rooms?Ask to move to a different hotel room.
- The room is too noisy.The room has too much sound. You cannot rest.
- The air conditioning isn't working.The room will not get cool.
- My room key doesn't work.The card or key will not open the door.
- I locked myself out of my room.You cannot get into your room because you do not have a working key.
- There is a problem with ___.You report that this thing in the room is wrong.
Scene — the trains all night
Tasha booked a small hotel near the Blue Line so Ana could stay over. The window faces the tracks. Trains pass all night.
In the morning Ana walks to the front desk. Someone from the hotel is at the computer. Tasha waits by the elevator with her tote bag.
Learn — a problem with the room
Six short lines help you report a hotel problem. You can ask for a new room.
You can also name the noise, the air, the key, or a lockout.
Could I change rooms?
Ask to move to a different hotel room.
When to use it: Ask this at the hotel desk when you want a new room.
Could I is a polite way to ask for a change.
Say it: Could and I can link.
The room is too noisy.
The room has too much sound. You cannot rest.
When to use it: Say this when the hotel room has too much sound.
Too means more than you need or want.
The air conditioning isn't working.
The room will not get cool.
When to use it: Say this when the room will not get cool.
Isn't working uses the -ing form after isn't.
Say it: Stress the second part of conditioning.
My room key doesn't work.
The card or key will not open the door.
When to use it: Say this when the key will not open the door.
Doesn't is one piece and it means does not.
Say it: Doesn't ends with a short t.
I locked myself out of my room.
You cannot get into your room because you do not have a working key.
When to use it: Say this when the door is locked and your key is inside.
Locked is the past tense of lock.
Say it: Locked ends with a t sound.
There is a problem with ___.
You report that this thing in the room is wrong.
When to use it: Name the thing in the room that is wrong.
Fill the blank with the thing that is wrong.
Story — she asks to change
Watch Ana at the hotel desk. The room faces the L, and she needs a quieter one.
The highlighted words are the lines you just learned.
- Morning light on the hotel desk. Ana and Tasha wait.
AnaExcuse me.you say this to get someone's attention- StaffWhat can I do for you?They ask how they can help.
- AnaThere is a problem with the air conditioning.She reports that the air in the room is wrong.
- StaffThe air conditioning isn't working?They check that the room will not get cool.
- AnaRight.She agrees with what they just asked.
TashaSo we opened the window.They opened the window.- A train goes by. The glass shakes a little.
- AnaThe room is too noisy. I looked for the noise.She says there is too much sound, then looks for a person making it.
- TashaJust say, "The room is too noisy."She wants the short line, not extra details.
- AnaCould I change rooms?Ask to move to a different hotel room.
- StaffWell, I can move you. Is there anything else?They can give you a new room, and they ask if more is wrong.
- TashaMy room key doesn't work.The card or key will not open the door.
- AnaAnd I locked myself out of my room.You cannot get into your room because you do not have a working key.
- StaffDon't worry. I'll send someone up.They say the small problem is fine and help is coming.
- AnaThank you.you say this when someone helps you
Practice — noisy or locked out
Eleven quick exercises wait here. You'll listen, pick, fill a gap, and build a line.
They stay short, so the round moves fast.
0 of 11 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
The room is too noisy.
What do you say?
What do you say?
The hotel room is hot. Tell the person at the desk the air will not get cool.
Build the line
Build the line
The card or key will not open the door.
.
Tap the words in order.
Pick the reply
Staff says:
Pick the reply
Did you leave your key inside?
They ask if your key is still in the room.
And you reply with:
What do you say?
What do you say?
The shower in your hotel room is broken. Tell the desk.
Swap the word
Swap the word
The trains kept you awake. Tell the desk about the sound.
The room is too ____.
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
Ask to move to a different hotel room.
Could I ____ rooms?
What do you say?
What do you say?
You walk up to the hotel desk. You need them to look at you.
Pick the reply
Staff says:
Pick the reply
I can move you to a quieter room.
They can give you a quieter room.
And you reply with:
True or false?
True or false?
You say this when you want the clerk to move you.
Say it — tell the desk
Now you're Ana at the hotel desk. When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak the line.
Tap play first if you want to hear the line. Your recording stays on your device.
- StaffHi. How can I help you?a friendly hello, then they ask how to help
- Ana (you)The trains kept you awake.
The trains kept you awake.
The room is too noisy.
The room has too much sound. You cannot rest.
0 of 4 said
Recap — what you can say now
| English | Simple English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Could I change rooms? | Ask to move to a different hotel room. | |
| The room is too noisy. | The room has too much sound. You cannot rest. | |
| The air conditioning isn't working. | The room will not get cool. | |
| My room key doesn't work. | The card or key will not open the door. | |
| I locked myself out of my room. | You cannot get into your room because you do not have a working key. | |
| There is a problem with ___. | You report that this thing in the room is wrong. |
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Keep practicing with Yak Cards
Want to keep these hotel lines handy? Grab the Yak Cards for this lesson and review them anywhere.
A quick round with the Yak Cards each day keeps your hotel lines ready for the desk.
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